Surname Geysen - Meaning and Origin
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Geysen: What does the surname Geysen mean?
The last name Geysen is of Dutch origin and is derived from the Dutch word “geis,” meaning "hostage" or someone who was held against his or her will. This is a surname that was likely originally adopted by someone who was once a hostage. The suffix “-sen” is likely derived from “-szoon” which means “son of.” This name, therefore, likely began simply as “Geis son.”
The root word “geis” could also refer to “an arrangement or payment made to ensure fidelity of service.” This again shows the derivation from someone being held against their will and likely also describes the person who is the progenitor of the last name Geysen. The name is largely found in the Netherlands but is also found in Belgium, France, and Germany.
The last name Geysen also carries the meaning of “servant” or “attendant” which also speaks to its original meaning of someone being held against their will. The family or individual that originally bore this last name likely did not use it out of choice but were forced into it by circumstance. In modern days, the family name carries a far more positive connotation with the meaning of “fidelity” and “service.”
Order DNA origin analysisGeysen: Where does the name Geysen come from?
The last name Geysen is most frequently found today in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is rarely seen in other countries. Records show that the Geysen surname first appeared in the Netherlands in the 15th century, when people began using hereditary surnames. Over the centuries, the Geysen surname slowly spread throughout Europe and eventually ended up in the countries of the Netherlands and Belgium.
In the Netherlands, the amount of people with the Geysen surname is relatively low compared to other surnames found in the country. Geysen is primarily found in the border areas between the Netherlands and Belgium. Notably, Geysen is more common in the Dutch province of Limburg than elsewhere in the Netherlands.
Today, the Geysen surname is a fairly rare one outside of the Netherlands and Belgium. It is believed that many people with this surname emigrated from the Netherlands to other parts of the world over the years, but the Geysen surname still remains relatively rare in other countries.
Variations of the surname Geysen
The surname Geysen is most commonly found in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. It is thought to have been derived from a nickname for a generous or hospitable person, derived from the Middle Dutch gheisen, meaning "to give away." Variations of the surname include Geyzen, Geijsens, Geijsen, Geisin, Geijsens, and Geyzen. The Geijsen variant is most common in North Brabant, Netherlands, while the Gheisen variant is most common in Limburg, Netherlands.
In Belgium, the Geysen surname is associated with a bookshop, Gheysen & Verpoorten, founded in 1850 and located in Antwerp.
In Germany, the name is found as Geisen or Geysen. It is most likely associated with the Middle High German geison meaning "to reveal".
In Luxembourg, the surname Geisen is found and is likely derived from the Middle High German geisyne which means "with pleasure".
In the United States, the surname Geysen is found in Pennsylvania, and is thought to either have been derived from the Dutch surname Geisen or the German surname Geysen.
In Canada, the variant Geyzen is found. This name is most likely related to the Dutch surname Geyzen and can be found in the Kitchener-Waterloo and Toronto area.
The surname Geysen has many variants, spellings, and surnames stemming from the same origin in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the United States, and Canada. It is derived from Middle Dutch, German, and Luxembourgish words associated with generosity or hospitality.
Famous people with the name Geysen
- Moritz Geysen: German singer who released his debut solo album in 2019.
- Jeroen Geysen: Belgian footballer who was part of the 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Championship winning team.
- Ulrich Geysen: Belgian cyclist who won several races during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Marjolein Geysen: Dutch sculptor and mixed media artist.
- Peter Geysen: Belgian road cyclist who won the Tour de Finistère in 1998.
- Ivan Geysen: Belgian road cyclist who competed in the UCI Road World Championships in 1989.
- Tim Geysen: Belgian cyclist who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
- Dirk Geysen: Belgian sports shooter who competed in the shooting at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Leo Geysen: Belgian footballer who played in the Belgian Second Division in the early 2000s.
- Jef Geysen: Belgian film director known for his documentary work on the life of union workers in Belgium.